Developing a CPR Action Plan

Workplaces can avoid uncertainty by having a CPR action plan in place in preparation for a real life cardiac arrest. This ensures everyone knows their role, limitations and how best to save the life of a colleague.

Speed

Action plans can help facilitate a swift movement through the chain of survival. Right from the time when the cardiac arrest is detected to the arrival of the emergency services.

Out of hospital cardiac arrests are deadly, and it's possible that the casualty’s chances of survival can be dropping at a rate of 7-10% per minute without intervention. Even if an action plan only saved one minute that could mean that the casualty has a 10% better chance of survival.

Communication

Firstly make sure no work areas are completely cut off from communication. This means remote workers may need access to mobile phones or two-way radio transceivers.

Whatever happens post resuscitation care will be required and an ambulance / paramedic team will need to access the casualty.

Protocol (1 Person)

When only one person is present at the scene that person should contact the emergency services themselves stating that someone has stopped breathing. Shout for help as best as you can.

If possible have the phone on loudspeaker and commence CPR immediately - continuing until the professional medical team arrive.

Hint - Do not put staff members in the position when they would have no way of contacting the emergency services

Protocol (2 People)

When two people are present one person should contact the emergency services and the other person should commence CPR. 

Whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services CPR should be shared to prevent fatigue. This is particularly important for chest compressions.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Workplaces that have an AED should utilize the life saving benefits of this machine. Studies have found survival rates as high as 90% when the AED was on the casualty within the first minute of cardiac arrest.

1. When only one person is present they should contact the emergency services and fetch the AED (if it is in close vicinity of the incident).
2. When two people are present one person should commence CPR - whilst the other person calls the emergency services and fetches the AED.
3. When three people are present one person should commence CPR, the second dial the emergency services, and the third person should fetch the AED.

Hint - Make sure the AED is never further than 1-2 minutes from the site of cardiac arrest. This may require having multiple units on site.